Hi

My litter is 5 weeks old and I've noticed one has puppy dandruff, I've only had this once before many years ago and I gave the puppy a tsp of oil on its food and it cleared up in a few weeks, but can't remember which oil it was, has anyone else had this and what did you use?
Puppy is fit and well as are the rest of the bunch.

Thank you

Barbara

Sounds like 'walking dandruff' which is a mite......I have had it in a litter and cleared it easily with frontline spray...classic age for it to show...the bitch could be carrying it with very few symptoms herself,

Some pups in the litter seem to not be affected much while others can be very scurfy

Ali

Dandruff can be found on some puppies as the glands in the skin that provide lubrication are still under active in puppies younger than four months. As the puppy gets older and these glands become more active, the dandruff and dry skin will very often resolve themselves. There are no real risks to the puppy, though the dog might scratch a bit because of mild itching caused by the dry skin.

But, as already said, it may be walking dandruff or cheyletiellosis:

"The condition is caused by infestation with a small mite. This mite lives its whole life on the skin of a furry animal. Although the mites are small they can just be seen with the naked eye or a magnifying glass and may appear like small white flakes of skin that can move - hence the name 'walking dandruff'.

Most healthy animals seem to have some immunity to infection and the majority of affected animals are old, young or unwell. It is most commonly seen in puppies. Boxer dogs and Cavalier King Charles spaniels appear to be more at risk than other breeds. Puppies and kittens most commonly become infected from their mother in the first few weeks of life.

Often the first sign noticed by owners is excessive scurf or dandruff formation on their pet's skin. This may be accompanied by scratching and later small spots can develop. Occasionally owners are more severely affected than their pet and may themselves have itchy red patches or spots on their skin."

If you think it may be this (using a flea comb may help you identify if it is mites more readily) rather than standard puppy dandruff you will need to pop to your vet to get the relevant frontline spray which is safe for your pups age, and also please ensure that all of your puppies and dogs are treated as it can be passed very easily both to other dogs and yourself.

I  would also ask your vet if any treatment is required for your home if this is the case.

Forgot to add the oil you mentioned is Olive Oil, but this can loosen poops quite considerably....